Many of you will be familiar with the aphorism that the definition of madness is doing the same thing time and again while expecting different results. I would like to amend that slightly to create a knitter’s version: the definition of madness is knowing that you aren’t getting gauge on a project where gauge matters, and carrying on anyway.
Sigh.
The beautiful Suvi Simola “Baby Cables…” pullover was going along nicely, with the body nearly finished, when I decided I’d measure it. I didn’t have a very good idea of how big it actually was because I haven’t been able to get my hands on a circular needle with a long — 80 cm — cable, despite having visited four different knitting shops. (This in the capital of a developed nation. And my friends here wonder at my willingness to mail order craft supplies from the U.K.!) The result was that I knew I had a ton of stitches, but they were so bunched up that I couldn’t really tell how big around the beast was.
So I measure it and discover that it’s 130 cm at the bust. My bust, if you’ll pardon the sharing moment, is 110 cm. Room for company!
It took me about half an hour to frog the sweater that had probably taken 20 hours to make, up to that point. The yarn is neatly wound into balls and back in my work bag. I don’t have the next smaller size needle. I don’t have time or the mental energy to do the rounds of all the knitting stores in Madrid just to not be able to buy one.
I think I need to have a lie-down. Someone please pass the smelling salts.
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February 26, 2013 at 5:09 pm
Tiffany
I just took apart a jumper (sweater) for Spouse that I have now started twice. It’s knit in the round, and for some reason I just CANNOT keep the 4-row pattern coordinated (even though I can knit lace and aran …). I think I have to admit defeat and find a new pattern that will suit the yarn. Very very annoying.
February 26, 2013 at 6:07 pm
rubiatonta
I managed to get the cables organized, the increases for the raglan sleeves, and the waist shaping sorted out — so when I manage to get going again, I should be fine. (It says here in fine print…)
Now, I’m just trying to decide if I should order the needles I need from Blighty, or knit the next smaller size on the ones I’ve already got.
Are you on Ravelry, by the way? It’s wonderful — though a bit of a temptation for me!
February 26, 2013 at 7:17 pm
Tiffany
I love Ravelry! I’m trying to avoid it so that I actually finish some projects instead of buying more yarn and starting a million different things. But I will be having a look there for a replacement pattern for the blasted jumper.
I hate waiting for needles but it’s probably worth it – even though I live in a big city, half the time the shop I can get to doesn’t have the needles I’m looking for, so I’m always ordering online …
February 27, 2013 at 12:19 am
materfamilias
I’m going to post soon on the great big error I made in my recently-boasted-about Fair Isle project. Pride goeth before . . . and all that. I’ve almost got back to the point I was at last week before discovering the error . . . and it only took me 5 or 6 hours . . .
What size needle do you need — I’d love to send you what you need.– is it an 80cm 4mm? Send your Madrid address to my gmail address (fsproutATgmailDOTcom) and I’ll try to get one in the mail this week.
February 27, 2013 at 7:02 am
rubiatonta
Thanks, Mater! That’s a very kind offer.
February 27, 2013 at 6:24 am
rubiatonta
Tiffany, please “friend” me on Ravelry. I’m Rubiatonta. (Yes, yes I am.)
February 27, 2013 at 6:13 am
neki desu
mail order,mail order,mail order. always mail order. wonder how i spent my pre internet years here? collecting catalogs during my trips.
February 27, 2013 at 6:24 am
rubiatonta
Neki, if this were an exotic item, like yak yarn treated with lark spit, I’d understand. But I’m looking for size 4 mm. bamboo needles with 60 and 80 cm cables. In the States, you can buy them at Hobby Lobby! (yuk)
Makes me think I should start a yarn store of my own. You in?
March 1, 2013 at 9:46 am
Cristina
Hi Rubi! Did you have a look at El Corte Inglés? A few months ago they had Knit Pro knitting needles as well as cables in different lenghts. I think El Gato Negro (two steps from the Plaza Mayor) has them, too.
March 1, 2013 at 11:30 am
rubiatonta
Thanks, Cris! I think Mater’s got me covered for the one I need most urgently.
But I’ll have to go Sol and see what they have — I’d looked at ECI on Goya and Castellana with no luck. And besides El Gato Negro, there’s Alondra (though the one on Principe de Vergara is a little better). Fingers crossed!
March 2, 2013 at 2:37 am
Tiffany
I’ve been eyeing that Suvi Simola pattern but in the photos I can’t really tell what the shape is like – it looks like it could be a bit odd-looking around the bust. Do let us know how it turns out!
March 4, 2013 at 9:24 am
Duchesse
Awww. This is the painful side of handiwork. Have a nice restorative rum punch and back to it on a sunny day.